ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect of two different fluids to maintain peripheral arterial
line patency at 1 to 2 ml/hr in a randomized controlled trial. Sixty sick newborn
infants requiring ventilatory support and frequent blood gas monitoring were randomly
assigned to receive either heparinized normal saline (HNS) or heparinized 5% dextrose
water (HD5W) to maintain peripheral arterial line patency. One unit of heparin was
added to each mililiterof both solutions. The duration of functional arterial lines,
sodium balance, and number of peripheral punctures for blood glucose monitoring were
compared using Student's t test for independent samples. HNS peripheral arterial catheters functioned significantly
longer than HD5W without increased risk of hypernatremia. We conclude that HNS in
arterial catheters is safe, lasts longer, and saves the infant (1500 gm or more) from
the unnecessary stress of multiple peripheral punctures for blood glucose measurements,
which can be obtained from the arterial catheter if glucose is not part of the infusate.
